The sound of youth
Young Filipino talent comes alive in the Manila production of ‘The Sound of Music.’
Everybody knows The Sound of Music. Even if you come across someone who hasn’t seen the film or the musical, they will still probably get the reference to Maria, My Favorite Things and Do-Re-Mi. Lucky for us, the London West End production of the musical is coming to Manila in September.
What makes this production special is the fact that the Von Trapp kids, a very integral part of the story, are all cast from Philippines. Eighteen kids from all over the country were chosen to play the six younger Von Trapps, including Freidrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl. Leizl, the eldest sister, is part of the cast that travels with the company.
The audition process for the kids was quite the ride, with over 400 children auditioning, and Jonny Bowles, children’s director for the musical, was flown in to the country to oversee the whole thing, which was conducted over the course of three days.
The cast of children was revealed last July 18 at the Diamond Hotel. They include Orenci Ken Soleta, Kyle Robert Rafanan, and Joseph Alexander Leggatt for the role of Friedrich; Gwyneth Jearei Dorado, Quinn O’ Hara, and Angelica Mabuting for Louisa; Tory Gil Emilio Cortez, Dean Adhiel Angelia, and James Christian Hess for Kurt; Krystal Brimner, Rayne Yssibel Cortez, and Sophia Isabella Reyes for Brigitta; Samantha Lagman, Leani Columna, and Princess Aliyah Rabara for Marta; and Jia Ruth Lauren Condino, Alysha Mari Africa, and Faline Dorado for Gretl. Carmen Pretorious, who is playing Maria, flew in to meet the kids prior to rehearsals, and quickly formed a bond with them. They will join the rest of the cast on Sept. 27 when the Manila season opens.
The Sound of Music opens on Sept. 27 and will run until Oct. 15 at The Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are available at ticketworld. com.ph. For more information, visit lunchbox-productions.com or facebook.com/ConcertusManila.